Linda Gilroy MP for Plymouth Sutton congratulated a national campaign that aimed to highlight the plight of households concerned about being able to heat their homes to adequate levels this winter.

The Warm Homes Campaign is the annual winter campaign organised by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA). It ran until today (3 December) and was organised in association with eaga, and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (in England).

The campaign aimed to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people who cannot afford to heat their homes in winter.  There were an average 48 excess winter deaths linked to cold homes every year in Plymouth Sutton between 2000-2005. This year, higher energy prices could push that figure even higher. 

Mrs Gilroy said: "Fuel poverty is a serious issue and one that I have championed throughout my working life. There are still deaths linked with the cold and it is vital that we help people make their homes more energy efficient.  This saves money and encourages those on low incomes to use their heating so that they stay warm, and well.  In this day and age, no one should have to spend the winter without affordable heat for their home. I want to see an end to fuel poverty in Plymouth and across the rest of the UK.” 

Approximately one in six UK households are unable to affordably heat their homes. Cold homes affect people’s health and wellbeing and are linked to cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. The elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes are especially at risk from the dangers of cold homes.

Ashley Guise, Divisional Managing Director for eaga, said: “With winter deaths and poor health still being caused simply because people are living in cold and damp homes this is an extremely important campaign and eaga is only too happy to lend its support.   Making homes warmer, dryer and healthier changes lives for the better and for the long term.”

Anyone who is worried about their winter fuel bill should call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 for information and advice on keeping warm in winter. Or for more information about grants available to keep your home warm, call freephone 0800 3166014.

3 December 2007